Popular Yorkshire restaurant chain with Leeds branch crowned the best in the region
It will now compete to be crowned the best in the country
A popular Punjabi restaurant with a branch in Leeds has been named the regional champion for Yorkshire and the North East in Uber Eats' 2026 Restaurant of the Year Awards.
Shimlas, which has a site in Roundhay Road, will now compete against eight other regional winners at a ceremony in London in September.
Uber Eats stated that the winners, chosen through public votes, represent "the very best of British food culture".
The company described Shimlas as "a beloved Bradford destination that brings people together over authentic, flavor-packed curries, signature kebabs, and traditional recipes cooked to perfection".
The restaurant is set to face competition from a diverse range of eateries, including a Korean BBQ spot in Coventry and an Italian restaurant in Glasgow.
The overall winner will receive £100,000 after a two-day judging process, which includes cooking live for a panel led by comedian and foodie Ed Gamble. Shimlas has already secured a £5,000 cash prize and a bespoke Uber Eats growth package.
The restaurant will be hoping to emulate last year's winner, Silver's Deli from Leeds, and secure a second consecutive victory for Yorkshire.
Rahat Javis, owner of Shimlas, expressed his delight at the regional win. "We’re thrilled to have won the regional award," he said. "A huge thank you to all our wonderful customers who voted for us and supported us along the way."
He added: "We’re super excited for judging day in September. It’s not just about the food for us, it’s about sharing the story of the Shimlas - our journey, and what makes us so special - with the judges. We’re really looking forward to the day and hoping for the best result."
Merve Basci, General Manager of Uber Eats UK, highlighted the importance of independent restaurants.
"Independent restaurants are the beating heart of the UK’s food scene and that shows when the public rally behind their local spots," she commented.
"Whether it’s your go-to local lunch place, the perfect late-night smash burger, or a TikTok-famous street food pop-up, Uber Eats is proud to support the businesses that bring flavour, jobs, and culture to our communities.
"The Restaurant of the Year Awards are about more than claiming the title alone. They’re about investing in the people who are championing hospitality right across the UK and helping them accelerate their growth."
Full list of regional champions:
- Bradford, Yorkshire & North East - Shimlas: Shimlas is a beloved Bradford destination that brings people together over authentic, flavor-packed curries, signature kebabs, and traditional recipes cooked to perfection.
- Bristol, South England & Wales - Gurt Wings: Gurt Wings is an award-winning Bristol favorite known for its ultra-crispy, hand-breaded fried chicken wings, tenders, and signature homemade sauces.
- Central London - Coqfighter: Founded by three friends inspired by hot summer nights eating Korean fried chicken in Melbourne, Coqfighter offers quality, flavor-packed fried chicken that has grown from casual pop-ups into multiple vibrant full-service restaurants.
- Coventry, West Midlands - Jinseon: Jinseon offers an authentic Korean BBQ experience in Coventry, combining high-quality meats, bold traditional marinades, and interactive tabletop dining for friends and family.
- Glasgow, Scotland & Northern Ireland - Piatto: Piatto serves authentic Italian comfort food in Glasgow, featuring freshly made pasta, artisanal pizzas, and rich regional flavors crafted from high-quality, traditional ingredients.
- Leicester, East Midlands - Ragin Bird: Ragin Bird serves up craveable, bold-flavored fried chicken, loaded burgers, and fiery sides made fresh to order for Leicester's spice and comfort food lovers.
- Liverpool, North West - Nashville Cluck: Nashville Cluck brings the fiery soul of Tennessee to Liverpool with hand-breaded, freshly fried chicken tossed in authentic Nashville spices and house-made sauces.
- North London - Junglees: Founded in 2021 by former City lawyer Nomaan and his foodie business partner Hamza, Junglees serves freshly cooked-to-order burgers with premium ingredients and unlimited customisable toppings in a welcoming, community-focused space.
- South London - Brorritos: Inspired by Mexican street food, Broritos delivers hearty burritos, tacos, bowls, and sides prepared with fresh ingredients and bold flavor combinations in a casual, friendly atmosphere much loved by locals.